Press release: 1997-10-20: Real Roundball Without The Elbow Jabs: NBA Action '98 For Sega Saturn And PC

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

REAL ROUNDBALL WITHOUT THE ELBOW JABS: NBA ACTION `98 FOR SEGA SATURN AND PC

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- (October 20, 1997) --
Gamers craving the most realistic, hard core hoop-it-up are about to score with Sega SportsTM "NBA Action `98." With the latest `97-'98 rosters, authentic team stats and stunning 3D graphics, "NBA Action `98" offers unprecedented authenticity and all the action basketball fans could ever hope for without stepping foot on the court. "NBA Action `98" will be available in stores nationwide this week, shipping simultaneously for Sega Saturn® and PC.

Another addition to the legendary Sega Sports library, "NBA Action `98," offers gamers everything they'd expect in a live game with some unexpected bonuses. Players can choose from more than 340 NBA players on 29 teams, review true player stats and make trades. With on-the-fly commentary by L.A. Lakers' announcer Chick Hearn and the ability to alter the six different colors of Dennis Rodman's hair, this is realism at its best!

"NBA Action `98" gives gamers the chance to strategize like a coach and get in on the action as a player. Set up the best offensive and defensive tactics for your favorite team and choose winning plays from actual NBA playbooks including the Chicago Bulls' "Triple Post Offense" and the Houston Rockets' "Cross Box." Re-live your favorite moments with full instant replay options from 11 different camera angles.

Using motion capture technology, Sega Sports digitally recorded the movements of actual players to make their moves as real on the screen as they are on the court. Gamers can perform moves like the "peek-a-boo" dunk and the "cross-over dribble" with Kobe Bryant. Signature moves are also possible including: David Robinson's turn around jumps, Shaquille O'Neil's "Power Slam" and Hakeem Olajawon's "Dream Shake." Gamers will have to mop their own sweat off their controller after doing these ultra-pro moves.

As an added bonus, gamers can beat the pros at their own game by using the Create-A-Player option to construct a team of superstars. Imagine creating a 7' 6" player with intense speed and perfect shooting ability or even a 5' 10" 250 pound dunking machine! Anything is possible as "NBA Action `98" gives you control over every detail including height, weight and shooting abilities.

"Sega Sports has built upon its years of experience in creating the most authentic sports games and has gone a step further with `NBA Action `98,'" said Lydia Gable, group director of marketing, Sega of America. "`NBA Action `98' is a supreme team-up of realism and intense gameplay."

"NBA Action `98" will be available nationwide this week for the Sega Saturn and PC for a suggested SRP of $49.99. The PC version operates on a minimum specification of a 90 Mhz Pentium with 16 MB of RAM. "NBA Action `98" for PC allows up to five players and supports all Windows 95 compatible keyboards, joysticks and gamepads.

Sega Entertainment's PC games allow players to adjust their PC screen settings including resolution, color depth, screen size, background textures, motion type and field graphics for maximum performance.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd., responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video game systems and software in the Americas. Sega Enterprises Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at http://www.sega.com.

Sega Entertainment, Inc. was founded in April of 1996, and aims to bring 3D polygon-based action/arcade, racing and sports gaming to the PC. Leveraging Sega's arcade leadership and library of game content, the company is committed to redefining the PC gaming experience with titles featuring high frame rates, 3D characters and environments, high polygon counts, detailed texture mapping, multiplayer online gaming and emotion-triggered gameplay that is unmatched by competing action/arcade PC games. Sega Entertainment, Inc. was formed through a joint venture between Sega of America and SOFTBANK Holdings, Inc.